Bodo/Glimt came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League, sealing a historic play-off place at the Metropolitano.
Bodo/Glimt produced one of the stories of the Champions League league stage with a stunning 2-1 comeback win away to Atletico Madrid. The Norwegian champions overturned an early deficit to secure a play-off place on debut. It followed their shock home victory over Manchester City last week. Atletico, meanwhile, missed the chance to finish in the top eight. The result sealed a memorable European night in Madrid.
Atletico started with purpose and thought they had taken an early lead when Alex Baena scored, only for it to be ruled out for offside. The hosts did go ahead in the 15th minute when Alexander Sorloth headed home David Hancko’s cross. The goal appeared to settle Diego Simeone’s side. Atletico pressed for a second and looked in control. However, Bodo/Glimt remained disciplined and patient.
Bodo/Glimt began to find space down the flanks and showed increasing confidence on the ball. Their pressure paid off in the 34th minute through a well worked equaliser. Fredrik Bjorkan cut the ball back neatly for Fredrik Sjovold. The defender finished low past Jan Oblak to level the match. The goal shifted momentum before the break.
The visitors struck again 14 minutes into the second half to silence the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. A scramble inside the Atletico box followed sustained pressure from Bodo/Glimt. Kasper Hogh reacted quickest to poke the ball beyond Oblak from close range. It was his third goal in two Champions League matches. Atletico were suddenly chasing the game.
Simeone’s side pushed forward in search of an equaliser and created several openings. Julian Alvarez went close, while Pablo Barrios struck the crossbar from distance. Sorloth also had chances to add to his tally. Nikita Haikin stood firm in goal for the visitors. Bodo/Glimt defended with composure under sustained pressure.
Atletico enjoyed more possession and territory but struggled for cutting edge. Bodo/Glimt made their chances count with ruthless efficiency. The visitors registered fewer shots, 11 compared to Atletico’s 27 but a higher conversion rate. Attendance of 58,910 watched a rare home defeat in Europe. It was Atletico’s first Champions League loss at home this season.
Sjovold’s equaliser changed the rhythm of the match and lifted belief. Hogh once again proved decisive with his sharp instincts in the box. Bjorkan impressed with his delivery from wide areas. For Atletico, Sorloth was a constant aerial threat. However, missed chances proved costly.
Bodo/Glimt finished 23rd in the league phase to secure a place in the knockout play-offs. They will face either Real Madrid or Inter Milan in the two-legged tie. Atletico ended 14th and will be seeded for the draw. Simeone’s side will meet either Club Brugge or Galatasaray. Both teams will learn their opponents when the draw is made on Friday.
